Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
This verse suggests that success does not always come from being wise or strong, but often depends on time and chance, contradicting the idea of guaranteed success for being faithful.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:45
This verse states that God makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust, contradicting the notion of only the faithful prospering.
Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Contradiction with James 4:10
This verse emphasizes humility and suggests that God lifts up those who humble themselves, which may imply that being the "head" is not a guaranteed or immediate outcome.
James 4:10: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Contradiction with John 16:33
Jesus mentions that believers will have tribulation in the world, which contradicts the assurance of always being above and not beneath.
John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 3:12
This verse states that all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, which contradicts the promise of perpetual leadership and prosperity.
2 Timothy 3:12: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Paradox #1
The potential conflict in Deuteronomy 28:13 could arise from the promise of being the "head and not the tail," implying a status of leadership and success for those who obey God's commands. This might be seen as inconsistent with New Testament teachings where Jesus emphasizes humility, service, and the blessedness of the meek and poor in spirit. Balancing these messages of prosperity and humility could be seen as a contradiction.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 28:13, which speaks about blessings for obedience to God's commandments, may seem contradictory when considering the historical experiences of the Israelites. Despite this promise, the Israelites faced numerous hardships, defeats, and exiles throughout history. This discrepancy between the promised blessings for obedience and the actual historical struggles might be seen as a contradiction or inconsistency in the understanding or interpretation of obedience and divine promise.
Paradox #3
The verse suggests that obedience leads to leadership and success, which might conflict with the idea that not all who work hard or follow rules achieve high status or wealth due to various circumstances. This can create a contradiction for those who believe in fairness and equality, as it may imply that those who are not "the head" are somehow at fault for their position, despite possibly doing everything right.